The Preview | Carlton v Essendon | AFL Round 13, 2023
Written By Luke Cornell
The big one.
Familiar scenes arise this week, as the Blues take on the old nemesis in Essendon on Sunday night.
It’s anyones guess as to how the rivalry will be lived up, but let’s anticipate a fiery clash nonetheless.
16 premierships for you, and you too, it’s the round 13 preview.
Pass mark Bombers.
The Bombers have surpassed the deservedly low expectations heading into season 2023.
Already securing 7 wins at the halfway mark of the season, their form is a far cry from the mess they shovelled through in the pre-season.
For some spotlight, Essendon rank 5th in disposals and kicks per game, while also ranking 1st and 3rd for marks and goal assists respectively.
The rise of players in Nic Martin and Mason Redman highlights a shift in the bomber’s mantra from relying on very few players to putting their faith in a young variety of role players.
Brad Scott’s arrival signalled the need for more maturity for this Essendon side, filled with players hitting the peak of their powers in Zac Merrett, Jake Stringer, Peter Wright and Andrew Mcgrath; but some would argue this hasn’t been on display for a majority of the season.
With their only win against a top 8 side coming against Melbourne during Gather Round, the Bomber’s playing list mirrors our own Blues in regards to their willingness to execute a sustainable game plan.
Former Adelaide Coach Brenton Sanderson described this situation on SEN, highlighting some very familiar criticisms of Essendon’s style of play.
“I think there’s some accounting stats at the moment which just concern me a little.
They’re a high possession kicking and high kicking team that make a lot of mistakes…I just don’t know if that’s a positive in the modern game.
They give up too many marks to the opposition as a keepings-off team. Even when Essendon win they still let their opposition take 100 marks per game, when they lose their opposition takes 111 marks per game.
If they can’t work out this high possession kicking game, it’s going to come unstuck.”
It’s a story of two teams heading into this week, with game-plan seeing to be an issue on both fronts with Essendon ranking in the top 5 for turnovers per game.
Will system truly prevail this week?
Still Blue.
What to do, what to do.
It seems that in recent weeks, this playing list has been holding back.
But not just holding back from the second effort, tackle, handball, or second to lower the eyes, but holding back from the chance to really take on the opposition.
There’s a real relaxation when the Blues have the ball in hand, as opposed to any type of concentration to be effective with each possession.
This has been echoed throughout selection in the previous weeks, with Lewis Young, Jack Silvagni and Zac Fisher finding themselves in and out of the senior lineup due to their lack of real impact when playing an important role on field.
Michael Voss commented throughout the week on the focus to take risks and playing with more dare, while not getting carried away from a chaotic brand of football.
“Hopefully what we’re affording is the space for them to be able to make those decisions (to go fast) and sort of embrace the chaos nature of the game.
If there is an opportunity to be able to take it on, then we do.”
Rather than a new elaborate change to our style of play, Voss seems to be reiterating some familiar themes to the players in order to find the composure both coaches and fans alike have been waiting to see on field.
Against the Bombers, it’s crucial to let the opposition make the mistake first.
In regards to lineups, Andrew Phillip’s form in recent weeks warrants the question as to whether he plays as a second ruckman to Sam Draper this week.
With our own Marc Pittonett more than likely returning to the fold, the first use opportunity could make or break a win for the Blues this week.
Predictions
Oh boy, Sunday could not come sooner.
Seriously, these teams could not be more hungry to get a win over the other this week.
With both teams finding strength in their ability to play through key players up front and through the middle, as opposed to system, expect a scrappy game; especially if the wet weather predictions persist.
But there’s more on the line than simply some sorry excuse for a season rebirth.
Both teams 16 premierships are reported to be on display before Sundays match, with the Blues and Bombers looking to honour the history and rivalry that has played on for more than 150 years.
Honour that history Bluebaggers, don’t let this joke of a season make you forget it.
With that said, it’s a match-up alright…with the Blues likely to be in the driver’s seat.
